S3’s short interest data highlights the most heavily shorted stocks with confirmed earnings in the coming week. The lists are filtered using market capitalization and notional short interest thresholds shown in the table notes, and rank names by short interest as a percentage of float in each region.

BJ’s Wholesale (BJ US) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW US) both saw notable increases in short interest this month—+34% and +39% respectively—against falling share prices. Also in focus are Nibe Industrier (NIBEB SS) in Sweden and Brilliance China Automotive (1114 HK) in Hong Kong, two Battleground Stocks where active long and short capital is closely matched.

Most Shorted Week of August 18th Preview:

In North America, Palo Alto Networks (PANW US) stands out with $6.3B of gross short exposure (5% of float), as positioning surged nearly 40% QTD against a 13% decline—an earnings setup combining high notional risk with negative momentum. BJ’s Wholesale (BJ US) also shows notable pressure, with short interest rising 34% to 6% of float as shares slipped 4% QTD. OSI Systems (OSIS US) has 14% of float short into August 21 earnings, with steady positioning as investors weigh recent contract wins against the inherent risks tied to large government programs.

In EMEA, SalMar (SALM NO) remains the key short at 16% of float, with positioning firm into results as investors weigh sector pressures from higher feed costs, regulatory changes, and volatile salmon prices. Nibe (NIBEB SS) is notable with 9% of float short—down 10% QTD even as shares rose 10%—suggesting shorts trimming into strength. Nibe also stands out as a Battleground Stock where active long and short capital is closely matched.

In APAC, VSTECS Holdings (856 HK) is the standout, with 17% of float short and a 78% surge in positioning alongside a 51% rally, underscoring its status as a momentum-hedge trade. China Vanke (2202 HK) follows at 13% of float, with shorts up 31% QTD into modest price gains, reflecting ongoing stress around China’s property sector.

Most Shorted Week of August 11th Recap:

Following last week’s report, CoreWeave (CRWV US) dropped –20.8% on August 12 after a revenue miss and cautious cost outlook, with its 37% short interest and lock-up trigger amplifying pressure. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS US), by contrast, jumped 8.4% after beating revenue and raising guidance,with its $575M convertible notes making the stock’s volatility particularly relevant for convertible-arbitrage funds. In EMEA, Ørsted (ORSTED DC) slid 29.6% on weaker operating income and reaffirmed rights-issue plans, validating elevated hedge-driven shorting. In APAC, Trial Holdings (141A JP) fell 11.3% on earnings tied to financing strain from its Seiyu deal, while MMG Ltd. (1208 HK) climbed 10.4% on stronger copper output, pressuring shorts into sector strength.

For real-time short interest data on the names you’re tracking this earnings season—including short squeeze scores, Battleground Stocks analytics, and position breakdowns—reach out to S3 Partners. We are the industry standard across global markets, helping investors move beyond proxies and outdated disclosures.

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The information herein (some of which has been obtained from third party sources without verification) is believed by S3 Partners, LLC (“S3 Partners”) to be reliable and accurate. Neither S3 Partners nor any of its affiliates makes any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information herein or accepts liability arising from its use. Prior to making any decisions based on the information herein, you should determine, without reliance upon S3 Partners, the economic risks, and merits, as well as the legal, tax, accounting, and investment consequences, of such decisions.

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